On Being Content

“How do you calm down your mind and heart of all the mundane daily things that somehow sap the energy and time when there is all this world to save, all this difference to make, all this stuff to do and become? How do you have the joy in all of this? It always feels like I’m not enough. I’m not doing enough or being enough for the tinies, for my husband, for my home, for my community, for my world, let alone for myself. I just never feel like I’m enough.”    
-Sarah Bessey

This article by Sarah Bessey in SheLoves Magazine struck a chord with me today. It described almost exactly how I am feeling in my current season of life.

I often feel like I am not doing enough. Or like what I am doing isn't making a difference. 
There aren't enough hours in the day to get everything accomplished. To find joy in the ordinary, mundane, messy, dirty, tedious everyday tasks I find before me proves to be a challenging feat most days.

At various points in my life I can remember thinking: "Oh I will feel better when..." or "If we could just get to his point then we can breathe and relax..". Do you ever feel that way?

Do you find yourself saying/thinking things like this:

I can be joyful/content when...

I find a spouse
I make more money
My husband gets a promotion
My kids are out of diapers
When my kids are out of the house
All my house projects are finished

It can go on and on right?

I struggle with being content right where I am. 

I find that I am always desiring something more than what I have and comparing myself to others all too often.

I love that this article reminded me to take a step back and BE STILL. God has me right here and now for a purpose. My identity is in him and that makes me enough. And it is in Him that I find my joy and it is made complete (John 15:11)- NOT in my circumstances.

Serving my family is hard work but it is what I am called to do right now and I want to do it with joy.

My hearts desire is to be content no matter what my circumstances look like (Philippians 4:11-13). To desire things that really matter. To serve my husband and child with an unselfish heart.

Friends, the world out there would have us believe we are always needing something more, to be in a different place than we find ourselves currently in. Let's challenge ourselves to be thankful for where we are and to be content with where God has placed us. To live with joy that is not dependent on circumstances. To remember that God has fully equipped us to do these good works we are doing right now (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

If you find yourself in current circumstances that are challenging, in any sort of way, my challenge to you (and myself!) is to look for what God is doing in your life right now. How you can be used in your current situation to be used for His glory. I am certain that he is speaking to us in ways we don't even realize if we can just relax, turn our eyes toward Him and listen.

For when, we press into him we come to knowledge of the truth. We are enough. His joy is our strength.

Nehemiah 8:10b (AMP)
 And be not grieved and depressed, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and stronghold.

Question for readers:
What kinds of things do you do to keep a joyful attitude in your everyday life?

Advent Meditation

Its the most wonderful time of the year friends!

I pray that you are having a wonderful start to your week.

This is my favorite time of the year. The holiday season brings with it so many fond memories of family traditions, merriment, and holiday festivities. I just love the spirit in the air!

This year, since my little one is beginning to be old enough to kind of know what is going on, I am trying to come up with some new traditions for our sweet family of three to also make this a season of worship and reflection, instead of just one about the gifts and Santa (which are great too!).

Growing up, we celebrated the Advent season at church with the lighting of the candles on the wreath. I wanted to bring some of that tradition to our house, so we decided to do an advent calendar and scripture reading each day from December 1-25.

If you are interested- here is the advent scripture list we are using.

I decided to use this as a guide for some advent meditations here on the blog as well. I hope you enjoy following along with us!

Isaiah 2:6-7 (MSG)
For a child has been born—for us!
    the gift of a son—for us!
He’ll take over
    the running of the world.
His names will be: Amazing Counselor,
    Strong God,
Eternal Father,
    Prince of Wholeness.
His ruling authority will grow,
    and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings.

I am in awe when I sit down and think about what the birth of Christ means for us. 

Jesus was a GIFT for us.  

A gift given out of love. God's desire is for us to live a life of wholeness, grace, peace, and love through relationship with Jesus. 

As we begin this busy Christmas season, lets remember the greatest gift ever given. 

I pray that during the advent the busyness of the season wouldn't take center stage in our lives. That stress, hurry, and gift giving will take a backseat to worship and reflection. 

I pray that we would love people well, as Christmas time can be painful and lonely for many. I pray that we are able to give grace to each other and to ourselves. That strained relationships would be restored and faults forgiven. I pray many people will come to know who Jesus is because we are able to love each other as he loves us.

I also pray that as we celebrate Jesus' birth we come to a new knowledge of God's love for us, because when we do we are forever changed for the better.

Amen and Merry Christmas!

Tuesday Meditation

How is your week going so far friends?

Its been fabulous over here so far! I set up our Christmas tree last night and have had the Christmas tunes on blast all week. I am determined to draw out this most wonderful time of year as long as possible! I also have a super fun weekend ahead with some of my favorite people that has put an extra pep in my step as well.

My meditation this week is another of my favorites and I was reminded of it in church this week so I thought I would go ahead and share it with you.

Matthew 6:33 (AMP)
³³ But seek (^[a]aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (^[b]His way of doing and being right), and then all these things ^[c]taken together will be given you besides.


In my own life, throughout each different season there are things (material things, jobs, finances, relationships, etc) that I am praying and believing for. Sometimes to the extent that I make that particular want or need my focus.

I worry and stress.
Try to control the situation to make it go the way I want.
Lose sleep trying to determine what the eventual outcome will be.

Many times these prayers have to do with material things or finances. Especially since I am now a stay at home mom and we have a more limited budget than we once did.

Through this verse and others God has taught me to seek him for who he is instead of what he can do for me.

Learning more about who God is and what it means to really trust him has changed my heart and attitude towards all of these things that I pray for. It also has helped me to realize that my worry just implies that I don't think God is big or mighty enough to take care of my needs.

I love the way The Message translates this verse:

Matthew 6:30-33 (MSG)
“If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met."

I encourage you to relax and seek him first friends. Get into the word and start pressing into the Lord and his promises for your life. Stop worrying about these things you are praying for and believe that the God who promises to provide for all our needs will take care of yours as well.

Trust that when we seek him and his righteousness you will have all you need and more.

Amen!

Thursday Jam

Just one more sleep until the weekend friends!

I don't know about you but I am looking forward to it.

I had a hard time deciding which worship song to share with you this week. Simply because there are so many that I absolutely love!

In the end, I am going with a song that has been out for a while but it is one of my all time favorites.

Also because its been pretty gloomy around these parts this week and that sometimes puts me in a funk. But this song is great because it lifts that cloud over my head and replaces it with a new song in my heart. It reminds me what I need to do to come alive and be filled with the joy of the Lord.

The song is "Freedom is Here" by Hillsong United.

The most amazing thing about having a relationship with Jesus is the freedom that he desires for us to experience. Many people mistakenly think that this relationship is a set of rules and a bunch of do's and don'ts.

While there are some black and white commands that God asks us to be obedient to in the Bible, the truth is that God's desire is for us to live in FREEDOM. He gives us the freedom to choose to follow and be obedient to him (giving us the Holy Spirit to help us) and then experience his freedom from bondage/sin as a result.

He intends for us to use this freedom to serve each other.

Galations 5:13 (NLT)
For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.

The lyrics of this song talk about how things come alive and we experience freedom as we lift Jesus higher. 

I just love that.

Because its such a simple answer to all the things in life we tend to complicate.

We worry and stress and try to control circumstances and let them steal our peace and cause us to live in bondage.

The answer to be set free and stop this cycle is always Jesus. Simple right?

Pressing into him and lifting his name higher is what allows us to receive his freedom.

Everything comes alive when we lift Him higher.
Then beloved, your freedom is here.

Tuesday Meditation

I'm a day late (again) this week. Better late then never!

My scripture meditation this week is inspired by a new sermon series that was started at our church on money. Its always a tough subject for me because each time I hear a message about money, I am reminded how I often let my bank account determine my identity and happiness.

I first had a huge awakening regarding this matter when I quit my job and decided to stay home full time. Suddenly our budget was quite a bit tighter and I had to give up some of my former spending habits.

I was quite grumpy about it for a little while. I definitely let it steal my peace and joy.

I didn't realize how attached I had become to a paycheck. How much of my happiness, identity, and security was in that money I received twice per month.

Can anyone relate here?

After much prayer and repentance, God really did change my heart (and continues to do so) about money, and also about how I was spending my time and using my gifts.

This verse is a great reminder to me and a motivation to continually evaluate how I spend my time, talents, and money.

Matthew 6:21 (AMP)
²¹ For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.


The places/people/things that we invest our time and money into tell us a lot about where our heart is and what is most important to us. 

I believe God gives us these three things (time, talent, finances) as tools for us to use to accomplish his plan and purposes for our lives. It is our responsibility to live in obedience and to steward these blessings to bring people closer to Jesus. That is what we are here for!

I pray that today this verse would be an encouragement to you to take a look at where you are investing yourself. 

Be blessed today friends!

Thursday Jam

I know that I am late to the party but I just purchased Hillsong United's Zion cd after a dear friend raved about how good it was. Pick it up if you haven't already- you will be blessed by it!

This same dear friend also inspired this Thursday Jam because she told me that her favorite song on the cd was "Oceans" and I have been playing it on repeat ever since.

The part of the song that has stuck with me is the refrain:

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior

I have noticed several other people have posted this refrain as a status on Facebook, and I don't blame them. These words are powerful!

But it makes me wonder what these words look like lived out in real life?

How many of us really, truly, want to go wherever the Spirit is calling us?
Desire to trust God without limitation?
Obedience without questioning?
No making excuses or needing confirmation 10 different ways before we take a step of faith?

Most of us want to go wherever the Spirit is calling us as long as its comfortable and not too scary.
As long as it doesn't involve confrontation or rejection or criticism. Or standing out from everyone else.

I can honestly say it is the desire of my heart to get to that place that I am wholeheartedly willing to go WHEREVER the Spirit calls me.

Just to be real with you: I can't say that I am there right now.

I mean after all, it took me FOUR YEARS to respond in obedience when I felt the Spirit leading me to start a blog. Sheesh!

I am most definitely getting better and becoming more aware of the Spirit's leading in my life- but I still have a looooong way to go in this area.

There are still times I find myself hesitating or making excuses when I feel like the Holy Spirit is leading me to do something....

Because where he calls me might be scary. Or uncomfortable. Or messy.
I might face rejection there and lose friends.
I might look ridiculous to others.
I might have to let go of some material things that I hold dear.
It may cause me to recognize some not so pretty truths about myself.
I might have to live differently than I do right now.

Sometimes I hesitate to do the simple things that the Spirit calls me to do like lay hands on and pray for someone I don't know. To bless someone that I don't know with a meal. To reach out to my neighbors. To share my faith with a stranger. To give grace to someone who may not be so nice to me.

Am I the only one here?

Stepping out in faith and living in obedience to the Holy Spirit's leading is something that takes courage and boldness. A willingness to live outside of our comfort zone. Discipline to say yes in obedience to the Lord without question.

I sing this song "Oceans" with that desire in my heart that the Spirit would lead me to a place of trust without borders. To a new place of boldness in my walk with the Lord. That I would be obedient to him no matter what the ancillary consequences may be.

Because I know that is the place where my faith will be strengthened and I will experience a new level of peace, freedom, and victory in my life and relationship with Jesus.

Each time I listen to this song, I believe my courage is bolstered just a bit.
My prayer is that it will do the same for you.

2 Corinthians 3:17 9 (AMP)
¹⁷ Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (emancipation from bondage, freedom).^(A)

Monday errr.....Tuesday Meditation

On this Tuesday, it is a story (instead of just a verse or two) from the Bible that has been pressing on my heart, so I thought it was appropriate to share:

Matthew 14:22-33 (NLT)

Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.

Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning^[a] Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”

But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!^[b]”

Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”

“Yes, come,” Jesus said.

So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong^[c] wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said.“Why did you doubt me?”

When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.

I have read this story countless times. And I love it. But this time, I noticed something different. I felt like God showed me something new in this story that was so timely and encouraging to me in my current season of life.

Side Note: That is my absolute favorite thing about the Bible! It is always relevant to the here and now of my life. God continually uses verses and stories that I have heard countless times to teach me new things. Awesome.

In the story of Jesus walking on the water, it dawned on me that when Peter focused on Jesus, he was able to walk on the water. 

The moment that he took his eyes off of Jesus and focused on the storm going on around him, he began to sink.

Whoa.

Just let that absorb into your brain for a moment.

Recently my focus has been on the storm. And it does feel like I am sinking some days. 

And the mistake has been letting my focus change from God to what is going on around me. 

When I fix my eyes on my current circumstances, it gives the enemy an opportunity to tear me down even more. It becomes a downward spiral, and I tend to let whatever I am going through determine my attitude at that time.

This is not a good thing. For me or those around me. It puts me in a funk!

I need to remember we serve a mighty God who has the ability to bring me out of my circumstances. 

And even if he doesn't change my circumstances he can change my heart in the midst of them, give me his peace, and work every detail of my situation for good (Romans 8:28, Philippians 4:6-7) if I can just fix my eyes on him.

Its true for you too!

What is the current storm in your life that you are focusing on instead of Jesus?

Rejection
Disappointment
Failed relationship
Fear
Sickness
Loss

When Peter looked at the storm around him he became scared. And many of the "storms" we experience in life are scary and overwhelming. 

But Jesus tells us not to doubt him. 
To not be afraid. 
To take courage!

Its a commandment people!

If you are feeling overwhelmed by your current circumstances, feeling defeated, or rejected.

Take courage!

And if you need some ideas on how to get back on track.....

Get into the Bible and start reading!
Find a Bible based church where I can be fed and encouraged.
Listen to some praise and worship music.
Watch/Listen to sermons on the web.
PRAY!


I hope this story encourages you today as much as it did me.
Have a wonderful Tuesday!